Celebrating Nursing students with over $288,000 in awards

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Nursing recognizes undergraduate and graduate nursing students annually at the USask College of Nursing Awards Ceremony.

In Saskatoon, at Prairieland Park on November 4, we celebrated 89 USask Nursing students, who received a combined 119 awards, worth $288,419.09.

“The awards presented at the student awards ceremony truly change the lives of nursing students, one student at a time,” said College of Nursing dean Dr. Solina Richter (DCur).

“Receiving these scholarships and bursaries is a testament to the dedication these students have made to their studies,” said Dr. Richter. “Their hard work will provide them with a strong foundation as a registered nurse upon completion of their programs.”

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, these students have one less thing to worry about while concentrating on their studies,” adds Dr. Richter. “Without our donors, this would not be possible. Donor support is instrumental in student success and for that, we thank our donors."

View Ceremony Photos

We asked this year’s recipients to share what their plans are when they complete their nursing education. Here are just a few of those responses.

• I am focusing my graduate work on Women's Heart Health, so upon completion of my MN I will be able to better support my nursing colleagues and serve the women and families facing heart disease here in Saskatchewan.
  - Elise Buschau (Master of Nursing Professional Practice student, Off-Campus)
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• With my nursing degree, I hope to be the light for people in their darkest days, and to provide the best care possible to all my patients.
  - Emma Mickelson (Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, Prince Albert Campus)
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• With a passion for child health, obtaining this degree will equip me with knowledge required to render quality, evidence-based healthcare to children and families.
  - Lucy Mensah (Master of Nursing Thesis student, Off-Campus)
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• My passion is mental health, and I hope to pursue my nursing career in that area. I am also open to furthering my studies in nursing.
  - Candice Turkula (Post-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, Saskatoon Campus) Professional Practice student, Off-Campus)
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• I will use my nursing degree to make a positive impact in others’ lives with the care I provide, and I hope to play a role in the growth and advancement of healthcare.
  - Paris Appel (Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, Lloydminster Site)
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• With my nursing degree, I aspire to deliver compassionate and expert care, promote holistic health, and make a positive impact on patients' lives.
  - Anas Banigesh (Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, Saskatoon Campus)
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• My hope is to build a community of interested people invested in improving the quality of life of people living with dementia and their families.
  - Mariana Dos Santos Ribeiro (Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing student, Off-Campus)
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• I hope to provide safe, adequate, and compassionate care to our First Nations and Non-First Nations members in Northern Saskatchewan.
  - Jessica Grandbois (Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, Ile-à-la-Crosse Site)
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• With my degree, I plan to provide culturally-safe care to individuals and families in emergency medicine.
  - Rachel Krieger (Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, Regina Campus)
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• I want to provide Nurse Practitioner services to rural and remote Aboriginal communities in Northern Saskatchewan.
  - Vanessa Carr (Master of Nursing Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner student, Off-Campus)
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• With my degree, I will advocate for evidence-based and client-centered care for individuals across the lifespan. I am passionate about creating positive health outcomes.
  - Maisy Wheeler (Bachelor of Science in Nursing student, Yorkton Site)

For a complete summary of the award recipients who provided responses, please visit this page.

 “Congratulations to all undergraduate students receiving an award this year,” said Dr. Shelley Peacock (PhD), chair of the USask College of Nursing Undergraduate Scholarships & Awards Committee.

“These awards demonstrate the commitment these students have to their nursing program, as they work towards becoming registered nurses. Thank you to our kind donors for making a difference in the lives of so many students. I can’t thank you enough for your continued support.”

 “Graduate students pursue graduate nursing education to enhance nursing knowledge and practice and advance their careers, often doing so while balancing work and family life,” said Dr. Louise Racine (PhD), College of Nursing associate dean research and graduate studies.

“To our graduate students receiving these awards, congratulations! You are not only succeeding in your studies, but striving towards excellence. And to our donors, thank you. Your generosity is making graduate education possible for these students.” 

Congratulations to all 2023 College of Nursing award recipients and thank you once again to our very generous donors. The complete list of scholarship and award recipients is available here.

If you would like to establish a bursary or scholarship for a nursing student, please contact us.